Renderings

renderings

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Track listing: 1. Frisbee - 6:49 2. Give Me a Day (Or Two) - 7:19 3. Joao Through the Phone - 6:27 4. Sonic Frito - 4:20 5. The Spanish Spy - 6:33 6. The Sad Cashier - 6:17 7. The Liquorice Tin - 2:43

Renderings,Cricket Rumor Mill,Loose Thread


Renderings
Maniacal Renderings
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Mr. oliva momma loves your stuff!
  • I Stand Corrected
  • Only Cd that has captured my attention in quite a while
  • Solid release
  • The Mountain King Rocks
Maniacal Renderings
Jon Oliva
Manufacturer: Locomotive Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive MetalProgressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
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Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Burden of Truth
  2. Tage Mahal
  3. Straight Jacket Memoirs
  4. The Dio Years
  5. United Abominations

ASIN: B000JBXOK8
Release Date: 2006-11-14

Tracks:

  1. Through The Eyes Of The King
  2. Maniacal Renderings
  3. The Evil Beside You
  4. Time To Die
  5. The Answer
  6. Push It To The Limit
  7. Who's Playing God
  8. Timeless Flight
  9. Holes
  10. End Times
  11. Still I Pray For You Now

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Mr. oliva momma loves your stuff!.......2007-04-13

This cd tells me that there is still something out there to listen to in these sad days of metal music. Thanks jon for keeping it real.I realized you took some of your past on this cd. But I feel in no way does it stand out enough to kill this cd.Buy this right away!

4 out of 5 stars I Stand Corrected.......2007-02-11

I said at the end of my review for Jon Oliva's Pain's last CD, "Tage Mahal," that I would believe Jon's claim that the new CD would be totally different and better when I heard it. Well, I have heard it and I believe it; this album destroys the previous on so many levels that it is hard to believe that this is the same band.

Don't get me wrong, though. This is still what you would expect from a Jon Oliva side project: neoclassical metal of the highest sort, with a couple of surprises thrown in. For one thing, there are a handful of riffs and ideas from Criss Oliva that Jon apparently found in his attic. Any fan of old-school Savatage will immediately pick out a riff or section and know that Criss wrote or at least influenced it. Jon sings in the same sort of growl that he has been using since his work on "Dead Winter Dead" and his keyboard work is as prominent as ever, including a keyboard solo in the title track. There is also a section in "Through the Eyes of the King" where Jon uses a pipe organ; it came out of nowhere and knocked me on my back.

The lead guitar work is so much better than Tage Mahal as well; this isn't random wanking, these solos, although plentiful, have a point and are far more interesting. The guitar tone is much more powerful this time around, as opposed to the piss-poor production on the previous album, and it allows the guitars to lay a solid foundation on which Oliva can construct his ideas.

The songs themselves don't seem as rushed as before, and Jon fills all of the songs with his trademark melodies and hooks (any Savatage fan will know what I'm talking about). "The Answer" is the first Savatage ballad (and by "Savatage ballad," I'm referring to those ballads that all had similar song structures to "Believe") that isn't incredibly cheesy and over-the-top. On the contrary, this song is more down-to-earth and melancholy; the chorus is so emotional, that lead guitar that comes in near the end is so moving, and the piano outro stays in the listener's mind and haunts it. "Timeless Flight" is another better than average ballad; that is, until there is a false ending and the heavy guitar riffs kick in. Overtop of those riffs are nice dual guitar leads while Jon screams "Take me to the promised land" over and over. A rather odd song, but it is just so high-quality it's impossible not to like. For the first several listens, I was rather unimpressed with "Holes," that is, until it snuck up on me and blew me away. The main riff mixed with Jon's voice just fits together so well, and there is an awesome shredding section at the end. There is also a nice shredding section in the middle of the title track as well (amidst the aforementioned keyboard solo and a classical-sounding section that sounds like something Criss wrote).

Unfortunately, this album has a big flaw: there are only enough riffs to fill up about 50% of the album. The rest of the time there is usually a generic chug-chug riff with maybe an occasional pinch harmonic thrown in ("Time to Die"). The rest of the title track (apart from the sped up solo section and the beautiful classical piano part) suffers from this problem as well, not to mention that the male choir chorus makes me wince. Also, the rest of the band pretty much just does their job and nothing more, making this seem more like a Jon Oliva solo project (which it kind of is, but they market themselves as an actual band) with a better than average lead guitarist.

Still, this album surprised me in that the lyrics were a strongpoint of the album. It's kind of hard to forgive Jon for singing about rainbows on Tage Mahal, but this album has a central theme: Jon is weary of life and is reaching out for help. There are some deep religious themes, which may turn off some metal heads, but it's hard to fault Jon, because they are so personal and honest, as opposed to 95% of lyricists out there, who write either about politics that they have no grasp of, or typical metal fare that has been done to death and was never that great to begin with. "Through the Eyes of the King" and "The Answer" are probably the most blatant, but "The Answer" has probably the best lyrics I have seen from Oliva since "St. Patrick's."

So anyone who was disappointed in Tage Mahal is still encouraged to check this out, because perhaps that album was just a fluke. Even so, this album isn't perfect, better riffs are needed and the rest of the band has to actually contribute. Although it isn't perfect, "Maniacal Renderings" is still a worthy successor to Savatage, even if it does not fully measure up to said bands pervious output.

5 out of 5 stars Only Cd that has captured my attention in quite a while.......2007-02-04

As I've grown up I have found more and more difficulties in liking new releases from both, new bands and bands I used to love. Maniacal Renderings is the only cd I've liked almost immediately after hearing it for the first time, in quite a while. Is heavy as it should be and also melodic. Jon is the most talented musician that ever existed and fortunately he is still making great music

4 out of 5 stars Solid release.......2007-01-27

You know what you're going to get from Jon - great songwriting and some killer metal. I prefer their 'Tage Mahal' cd over this one based solely on the songwriting not being *AS* memorable, but it is still a good release. It was money well-spent.

5 out of 5 stars The Mountain King Rocks.......2007-01-21

Jon Oliva's Pain rocks every bit as hard as old Savatage ever did, and is the next best thing to a new savatage album that you can buy. If you like Savatage buy this album!!!!!!!!!!
The Harper's Reverie: Irish Music of Turlough O'Carolan
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Wow! What a Treat!
  • The Harper's Reverie-Irish Music of Turlough O'Carolan
  • Great playing!
  • Bright, lilting
  • Wonderful!
The Harper's Reverie: Irish Music of Turlough O'Carolan
Joe Ross & Janet Naylor & Friends
Manufacturer: Zephyr Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
British IslesBritish Isles | Europe | Compilations | International | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00000G3XN
Release Date: 1998-11-01

Tracks:

  1. O'Carolan's Draught (6:06)
  2. Hugh O'Donnell (3:26)
  3. George Brabazon (5:48)
  4. Hewlett/O'Carolan's Fancy (6:38)
  5. O'Carolan's Ramble to Cashel/O'Carolan's Receipt/Quarrel with the Landlady (5:24)
  6. O'Carolan's Welcome (3:38)
  7. Morgan Magan/Fanny Power (4:26)
  8. Lady Gethin/Captain Sudley (4:39)
  9. Planxty Irwin/Sheebeg Sheemore (7:39)
  10. O'Carolan's Concerto (3:36)
  11. Lord Inchiquin (3:16)

Album Description

Turlough O'Carolan, last of the Irish bards, was born in 1670 near Nobber, County Westmeath, but moved with his family to the Roscommon-Leitrim area while very young. His father was employed at an iron foundry operated by the St. George and MacDermott Roe families. Totally blinded in his late teens by smallpox, Turlough O'Carolan was taken in by Mrs. MacDermott Roe at the Alderford house, near Boyle. Here, he studied under a harper for three years. A more creative tale claims that O'Carolan once slept on a fairy rath and forever after heard fairy music to inspire him. "The Harper's Reverie" captures some of O'Carolan's fanciful musings.

At age 21, equipped with a horse, a guide and money, O'Carolan began his career as an itinerant harper although he seldom traveled much beyond the province of Connacht. In the Irish bardic tradition, the harper was popular and held high social status in the "Big Houses," and the tunes composed for his patrons were referred to as "planxties" (musical tributes). Considered as much more than a mere musician or composer, O'Carolan was an honored guest of his patrons and regarded as a sage who articulated eloquence, wit and profundity. And, of course, he kept his patrons informed of the latest gossip collected while traveling the Irish countryside. If, by chance, he encountered a less than hospitable host (as he once did at the house of Jennings of Mayo), O'Carolan might be heard ranting, "Devil take the glass that was meant for a dwarf, and the same for the hand that didn't fill it by half!"

O'Carolan had numerous romantic affections, and some of his compositions were written for his lady loves. Many of his songs addressed to Bridget Cruise, his youthful yet hopeless attachment, have been irretrievably lost.

The influences of Italian composers such as Geminiani and Corelli show in some of O'Carolan's works. The sources for most of the tunes played in this compilation are Edward Bunting's "Ancient Music of Ireland" collections. Bunting transcribed and arranged many of the tunes he heard at the 1792 Belfast Festival of Harpers, a gathering of musicians and musicologists interested in preserving this important heritage. At the Harpers' Festival, Bunting witnessed only one harper still using the old fingernail technique (rather than using the flesh of the finger), and by the 1820s the great school of Irish harp playing had greatly disappeared.

In 1738, O'Carolan died and was buried at the cemetery of the old 6th century O'Duignan Abbey at Kilronan, his grave adjoining the vault of the MacDermotts. In 1990, my wife (also a harpist) and I were fortunate to attend the Turlough O'Carolan Thirteenth International Harp Festival and visited O'Carolan's gravesite. The Festival is held in the picturesque Irish village of Keadue, County Roscommon, at the foot of the Arigna Mountains near the shores of Lough Meelagh in the heart of O'Carolan country.

Near Castlerea, one of O'Carolan's harps can be found at the 45-room Clonalis House, the ancestral home of the Clan O'Conor, who gave 11 high kings to Ireland and 24 kings to Connacht. Another of O'Carolan's harps, a large sycamore instrument with 35 strings, is on exhibit in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. During his years of itinerant minstrelsy, O'Carolan was said to have composed about 200 pieces of music, although many have been lost.

Join us on a musical journey to shape a portrait of another age, one that displays the joys of life and revelry that marked O'Carolan's day. The Irish simply called it "Luinneach" (merry music). We hope that you'll experience an epiphany from the beauty, color, emotion, gentleness and melodic expression of Turlough O'Carolan's musical compositions. Thank you for your support of this music.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Wow! What a Treat!.......2004-10-27

To find a cd strictly devoted to the music of O'Carolan was delightful, but to find one crafted by such skilled musicians was simply wonderful! This is
music that will warm the hearts of any proud Irish-American, and keep the toes tapping. It's a great ode to the great man who composed these stunning pieces!
I can't express how accomplished these musicians are, and how beautiful this music is. This music is so diverse, so timeless! Run, don't walk, and get your credit card and purchase this cd!
You'll be glad you did! Thanks to Joe Et Al for creating this lovely gem of a recording! Slant!

5 out of 5 stars The Harper's Reverie-Irish Music of Turlough O'Carolan.......2002-03-07

Cool! (This is very nice music and my aunt says it makes for a GREAT St Patrick's Day gift---for all ages! The music is varied and light,....)I listen to it with her in her car all the time.

miss emily
(as told to her aunt)

5 out of 5 stars Great playing!.......1999-12-18

"Harper's Reverie" is really a fine effort, with great playing and superb as well as fresh arrangements. Possibly one of the best tributes to the music of O'Carolan. Massimo Ferro Radio Voce Spacio 1 "Un Monda di Musica" ("A World of Music") San Michele, Italy

4 out of 5 stars Bright, lilting.......1999-03-20

I would give the CD a 4, a wonderful job...The music and accompaniment are bright, lilting and a lovely representation of O'Carolan's tunes. Yes to positive feedback from listeners.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful!.......1999-03-20

The CD is wonderful! Very nice morning music especially :
Franc d'Ambrosio's Broadway
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • A Broadway Fan and A Figures Skating Fan's Idea of the Longe
  • WHAT LUNGS
  • Phranc unmasked---at last!!!!
Franc d'Ambrosio's Broadway
Franc d'Ambrosio
Manufacturer: Lml Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
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  1. Franc d'Ambrosio's Broadway
  2. Broadway Classic
  3. So in Love With Broadway
  4. In Good Company
  5. Love Changes Everything

ASIN: B0006SSOFE
Release Date: 2004-12-14

Tracks:

  1. Brigadoon: Almost Like Being In Love
  2. The Godfather III: The Immigrant (The Love Theme)
  3. Sweeney Todd: Not While I'm Around
  4. Pippin: Corner Of The Sky
  5. How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying: How To Succeed/I Believe In You
  6. Damn Yankees: Heart
  7. Chicago: Razzle Dazzle
  8. Sweet Charity: If My Friends Could See Me Now/Little Me: The Other Side Of The Tracks
  9. Jekyll And Hyde: This Is The Moment
  10. Les Miserables: Bring Him Home
  11. Copacabana: Who Needs To Dream
  12. The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night
  13. Stop The World I Want To Get Off: What Kind Of Fool Am I?

Album Description

Franc D'Ambrosio, who starred as the legendary masked man in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tony Award winning musical The Phantom of the Opera for over six years, was honored with the title of the longest running Phantom in the world after bringing more than five million theater goers to their feet over 2,600 times. On Dec. 12th he was a special correspondent for ACCESS HOLLYWOOD on the red carpet at the NYC premiere of Joel Schumacher's film musical The Phantom of the Opera at the Ziegfeld Theater.

You will most likely recall D'Ambrosio from his highly publicized portrayal of Al Pacino's opera singing son, Anthony Corleone, in The Godfather Part III (after an international search lasting more than a year.)

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars A Broadway Fan and A Figures Skating Fan's Idea of the Longe.......2005-06-04

When I saw Brian Boitano's Skating Spectacular, Franc who seems to be a friend of Brian's Sang while Brian skated. They said that he had played The Phantom longer than anyone else.

Therefore, I bought this CD. When I started listening to the first songs, I could not believe that Franc had played the Phantom. His voice sounded too young. His version of the song from PIPPIN did not sound as good to me as an American Idol Contestant's had. I thought he might be satirizing Broadway.

When I came to song Number 11, my opinion changed. His songs from then on, were great. I have listened to the HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA hundreds of times. I don't think I could tell his MUSIC OF THE NIGHT from Michael Crawford's.

If you would enjoy a quirky version of Broadway songs mixed with really good ones, get this CD. If you want straight Broadway, try Ron Raines.

5 out of 5 stars WHAT LUNGS.......2005-01-31

I saw Franc on his concert tour recently and was very impressed. He has sure got some lungs... I like the fact that in person, he sounds just like the recordings on the CD. I have been collecting Broadway Cds for years now and I have quite the collection. The thing that stands out with Franc's CD is the wonderful range of songs. I especially liked the medeleys and the inclusion of some songs that have been my favorites from shows but never seem to be recorded too often. His vocal range is great as well....and an incredible high light voice. His vocal characteristics are reminiscent of Mandy Patinkin, whom I also really like. I will listen to this one for a long time to come.

4 out of 5 stars Phranc unmasked---at last!!!!.......2005-01-30

I saw Franc for the first time when I was 13 and my parents suprised me one weekend by taking me to see The Phantom of the Opera for the first time in San Fransisco, and I swear my life has never been the same since. Franc was so captivating and soulful in his performance I doubt there was a dry eye in the house---I was awe-stricken. In fact, I was so moved by his perfomance that I dragged my parants back up to SF the very next week to see it again! I was so compelled by the play that I got my hands on any phantom book and music I could find, and the Phantom has been a permanent part of my life ever since. However, I regret that for years I did not think about the man behind the mask---Franc. I had been listening to the origanl London cast album for years because that's the only Phantom recording available, and it didn't even occur to me to look for other recordings Franc might have done until it had been so long that he wasn't playing the role anymore I didn't remember the names of any of the cast members we saw, but after an hour or so of research on the internet I was able to track him down and was thrilled to find out he had just released this album (his debut!) and I bought it without thinking twice. The first half of this album is very lively and fun and you can really hear Franc's energy and charisma, and the second half---all ballads---is stunningly beautiful. Franc sings his heart and lungs out, and his upper register is downright haunting! For anyone who has seen Franc perform, or just loves well-sung show tunes, this CD is a must. The only real draw back to the album is that the first few tracks are medleys so you only get to hear parts of each song instead of the enitre song, but it is still very nicely done and each song leads into the next almost seemlessly. Also, if you are interested in the original SF cast of The Phantom of the Opera, they resently held and recorded a Christmas benifit for AIDS called Crhistmas Center Stage and you can enjoy a variety of Christmas songs peformed by various members of the SF cast! It's a beuatiful CD and very fun to listen to at that time of the year or year-round! Now, one last suggestion: if you like broadway songs, a great companion to Franc's CD is Lisa Vroman's Broadway album (I think it's called Classic Broadway). Lisa played the Phantom's beloved Christine with Franc for years and both of their voices are truly stunning and extremely enjoyable to listen to.
Art of the Duo Renderings
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Art of the Duo Renderings

    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
    JazzJazz | Imports | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. The Words And The Days
    2. Lawn Chair Society
    3. Ojos Negros
    4. Pilgrimage
    5. Lontano

    ASIN: B000BZ8I0I
    Release Date: 2005-11-22

    Album Description

    These 2 gentlemen, saxophonist Andrew Rathbun and pianist George Colligan are definitely up to the challenge that the art of the duo presents. Their instrumental abilities are super in the classic sense, meaning passionate but controlled and disciplined, never going over the top. The material they have chosen ranges from an original suite written for Wayne Shorter that evokes the many moods reminiscent of his compositions, to a piece by Ravel dedicated to Haydn. But the center-piece of the CD are the several selections from Musica Callada, a book of compositions by the Spanish composer Federico Mompou. Rahtbun and Colligan play Mompou's music in such a way that I cannot discern the line between what is improvised and what is written, which is one of the highest ideals an improviser strives for.
    Maniacal Renderings
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • This IS the new Savatage
    • WOOOW
    Maniacal Renderings
    Jon Oliva
    Manufacturer: Afmr / Armageddon De
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Progressive MetalProgressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
    Hard Rock & MetalHard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Straight Jacket Memoirs

    ASIN: B000H7JBW4
    Release Date: 2006-09-19

    Tracks:

    1. Through The Eye Of The King
    2. Maniacal Renderings
    3. Evil Beside You
    4. Time To Die
    5. The Answer
    6. Push It To The Limit
    7. Who's Playing God
    8. Timeless Flight
    9. Holes
    10. End Times
    11. Still I Pray For You Now

    Album Details

    Limited Edition Digipak. Being the Mastermind of One of the Most Successful and Influential Bands in Heavy Metal History, Savatage, this Guy from New York Has Experienced a Musical Career that Many Others Can Only Dream of and Because of that his Name Live's On...now And Forever! this Album Will Be Available in Three Different Formats: Standard Jewel Case (11 Songs), Digipack (1 Bonus Track) and Limited Aluminium Case Format (1 Bonus Track).

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars This IS the new Savatage.......2006-10-06

    For all intents and purposes, this is the newest Savatage record; released under the banner of Jon Oliva's Pain, of course. Why isn't this labeled as a Savatage album? Because the members of Savatage are so involved in solo projects and the money-making machine of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, they aren't readily available for Jon Oliva, the perrenial song-writer and voice of Savatage. His current band is at arm's reach, all living in the same general area, and more than willing to aid the Mountain King in his verses.

    That said, you have to be more interested in whether or not this is a GOOD Savatage album. Let me assure you, it is. JOP's first album, 2004's 'Tage Mahal, was definitely a throwback to old school Savatage, but Maniacal Renderings is even more retrospective. Much of this release reminds me of Hall of the Mountain King, Gutter Ballet and Streets era. You'll still find some modern-day themes like the killer riffs on Poets and Madmen, plus those familiarly fun, yet strange, vocal melodies that overlap in a clashing sort of way that actually sounds melodic and somehow natural.

    Most improved since 'Tage Mahal is the maturity as the band as a whole. While the first JOP almost had the feel of a Jon Oliva solo album, i.e. Jon and his backing band, Maniacal Renderings has a more cohesive feel to the music overall. Jon's new bandmates are definitely coming into their own and feeling comfortable in their roles. The riffs and melodies are oh so Savatage, and the keyboards highlight the songs perfectly, as is usually the case when Jon writes music. The guitar solos compliment the music nicely, although conservatively, the most minor of flaws on a masterpiece.

    Jon's voice sounds most superb on this album. I've heard criticisms of his vocals in the past, but I think he's just getting better with age. He's learned from the past, knows his limitations, and performs so with gusto. Some nice touches on this album are during the mellower interludes where he does a fantastic Paul McCartney imitation. His favor of the Beatles really shines through in places, spattered throughout an album full of chaotical musical and vocal presentations.

    Musically, I find Maniacal Renderings a very descriptive title, not only for this album, but Savatage/Jon Oliva in general.

    Five stars and a GIANT pedastal of gold in my hallowed hall of fame.

    5 out of 5 stars WOOOW.......2006-10-06

    I was curious to find what could Jon Oliva do else? What Ideas would he have left after Savatage and JOP 1st album?
    But guess what? Its awesome,, complex, heavy, solos, u will find it all in here.. hear for urself.. and give him 5 or else :)
    Maniacal Renderings
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Jon Oliva is one of my favorites
    • Jon !! You are genus !!
    • This IS the new Savatage
    • Mountain..Your KING IS BACK
    • return of the mountain king
    Maniacal Renderings
    Jon Oliva
    Manufacturer: Afmr / Armageddon De
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Progressive MetalProgressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
    Hard Rock & MetalHard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Burden of Truth
    2. Straight Jacket Memoirs
    3. Revelations
    4. Tage Mahal
    5. A Matter Of Life And Death

    ASIN: B000H7JBWE
    Release Date: 2006-10-10

    Tracks:

    1. Through the Eyes of the King
    2. Maniacal Renderings
    3. Evil Beside You
    4. Time to Die
    5. Answer
    6. Push It to the Limit
    7. Who's Playing God
    8. Timeless Flight
    9. Holes
    10. End Times
    11. Still I Pray for You Now

    Album Details

    Being the Mastermind of One of the Most Successful and Influential Bands in Heavy Metal History, Savatage, this Guy from New York Has Experienced a Musical Career that Many Others Can Only Dream of and Because of that his Name Live's On...now And Forever! this Album Will Be Available in Three Different Formats: Standard Jewel Case (11 Songs), Digipack (1 Bonus Track) and Limited Aluminium Case Format (1 Bonus Track).

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Jon Oliva is one of my favorites.......2006-12-26

    Great CD, though not his best. Jon Oliva is one of my heroes as far as music goes. He's got so much talent it's crazy.
    I thought his previous album was better than this one, but they are both good. Get them both if you're a Savatage fan. Also check into Dr. Butcher (Oliva's other project).

    5 out of 5 stars Jon !! You are genus !!.......2006-11-14

    This album is a revolution .. Jon is just amazing and he came at the right time specially in this album .. I really loved this album even more than Tag Mahal .. He put an amazing part in every single song to make you wait for it .. I can't believe that this album was made on 2006 !! Pls Jon remains the same and keep the good work ..

    5 out of 5 stars This IS the new Savatage.......2006-10-18

    For all intents and purposes, this is the newest Savatage record; released under the banner of Jon Oliva's Pain, of course. Why isn't this labeled as a Savatage album? Because the members of Savatage are so involved in solo projects and the money-making machine of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, they aren't readily available for Jon Oliva, the perrenial song-writer and voice of Savatage. His current band is at arm's reach, all living in the same general area, and more than willing to aid the Mountain King in his verses.

    That said, you have to be more interested in whether or not this is a GOOD Savatage album. Let me assure you, it is. JOP's first album, 2004's 'Tage Mahal, was definitely a throwback to old school Savatage, but Maniacal Renderings is even more retrospective. Much of this release reminds me of Hall of the Mountain King, Gutter Ballet and Streets era. You'll still find some modern-day themes like the killer riffs on Poets and Madmen, plus those familiarly fun, yet strange, vocal melodies that overlap in a clashing sort of way that actually sounds melodic and somehow natural.

    Most improved since 'Tage Mahal is the maturity as the band as a whole. While the first JOP almost had the feel of a Jon Oliva solo album, i.e. Jon and his backing band, Maniacal Renderings has a more cohesive feel to the music overall. Jon's new bandmates are definitely coming into their own and feeling comfortable in their roles. The riffs and melodies are oh so Savatage, and the keyboards highlight the songs perfectly, as is usually the case when Jon writes music. The guitar solos compliment the music nicely, although conservatively, the most minor of flaws on a masterpiece.

    Jon's voice sounds most superb on this album. I've heard criticisms of his vocals in the past, but I think he's just getting better with age. He's learned from the past, knows his limitations, and performs so with gusto. Some nice touches on this album are during the mellower interludes where he does a fantastic Paul McCartney imitation. His favor of the Beatles really shines through in places, spattered throughout an album full of chaotical musical and vocal presentations.

    Musically, I find Maniacal Renderings a very descriptive title, not only for this album, but Savatage/Jon Oliva in general.

    Five stars and a GIANT pedastal of gold in my hallowed hall of fame.

    5 out of 5 stars Mountain..Your KING IS BACK.......2006-10-11

    Awesome, Brilliant..I am speechless.. Vocals, music, solos, keyboards..
    Hope he gets the appreciation he deserves

    5 out of 5 stars return of the mountain king.......2006-09-27

    THIS CD IS PARTLY BASED ON SONGS AND IDEAS THAT CRISS AND JON OLIVA HAD BEFORE CRISS UNTIMELY DEATH. FROM THE FIRST RIFF EVERYONES A KING TO THE ACOSTIC TRIBUTE TO CRISS I STILL PREY THIS CD ROCKS WITH THE SOUNDS OF THE PAST, THIS CD IS IN THE MOLD OF SIRENS AND POWER OF THE NIGHT
    A MUST FOR ALL SAVATGE FANS
    RIP CRISS
    PS YOUR BROTHER JON HAS DONE YOU PROUD
    Y'All Got It: Music from the Wiz by Charlie Smalls
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Y'All Got It: Music from the Wiz by Charlie Smalls
      Onus
      Manufacturer: Hipnotic Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B0006TPDMA
      Release Date: 2005-01-11

      Tracks:

      1. Be a Lion
      2. He's the Wizard
      3. Soon as I Get Home
      4. Slide Some Oil to Me
      5. If You Believe in Yourself
      6. I Was Born the Day Before Yesterday
      7. What Would I Do If I Could Feel
      8. Y'all Got It
      9. If I Had a Dream
      Beautiful Rain
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Beautiful Rain
        Zoretta Hopkins
        Manufacturer: Zoretta Hopkins
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
        GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000CAGX9K
        Release Date: 2005-05-03
        Maniacal Renderings
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Maniacal Renderings
          Jon Oliva
          Manufacturer: Afmr / Armageddon De
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
          Progressive MetalProgressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
          Hard Rock & MetalHard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
          ASIN: B000H7JBWO
          Release Date: 2006-11-14

          Tracks:

          1. Through the Eye of the King
          2. Maniacal Renderings
          3. Evil Beside You
          4. Time to Die
          5. Answer
          6. Push It to the Limit
          7. Who's Playing God
          8. Timeless Flight
          9. Holes
          10. End Times
          11. Still I Pray for You Now

          Album Description

          Limited edition in a Tin Can

          Album Details

          Limited Edition Comes in an Alluminum Case and Includes a Bonus Track. Being the Mastermind of One of the Most Successful and Influential Bands in Heavy Metal History, Savatage, this Guy from New York Has Experienced a Musical Career that Many Others Can Only Dream of and Because of that his Name Live's On...now And Forever! this Album Will Be Available in Three Different Formats: Standard Jewel Case (11 Songs), Digipack (1 Bonus Track) and Limited Aluminium Case Format (1 Bonus Track).
          Maniacal Renderings
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Maniacal Renderings
            Jon Oliva's Pain
            Manufacturer: 3d
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
            Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
            Progressive MetalProgressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
            ASIN: B000JK9XJK
            Release Date: 2007-01-01

            Tracks:

            1. Through the Eye of the King
            2. Maniacal Renderings
            3. Evil Beside You
            4. Time to Die
            5. Answer
            6. Push It to the Limit
            7. Who's Playing God
            8. Timeless Flight
            9. Holes
            10. End Times
            11. Still I Pray for You Now

            Rock Music:

            1. Replay
            2. Replicas/the Plan [Import]
            3. Reptilia [CD-single] [Import]
            4. Requiem
            5. Rescue the Dog
            6. Resonator: the Best of [Import]
            7. Restraint
            8. Restrung: The String Tribute to the Matrix
            9. Resurrection [Explicit Lyrics]
            10. Resurrection [Import]

            Rock Music

            rock music